WSR 14-15-137

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed July 23, 2014, 8:04 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revisions to chapters 170-290 and 170-100 WAC to align early childhood education and assistance program (ECEAP) performance standards and child care subsidy program rules, including, but not limited to, rule making on any of the following subjects: Eligibility requirements, rights and responsibilities, approved activities, income and copayment calculations, start dates and eligibility period, notice, eligible child care providers, subsidy rates and fees, payment discrepancies, and administrative hearings for child care subsidy programs or ECEAP. Possible revisions to chapter 170-295 WAC, or creation of a new WAC chapter, to administer licensing or certification of ECEAP sites.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 43.215 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of early learning (DEL) is expanding ECEAP. ECEAP expansion slots will be prioritized for full day services made possible by braiding ECEAP funding with working connections child care (WCCC) funding, the combined funds issued in single contracts to ECEAP contractors. Alignment of ECEAP performance standards and child care subsidy rules is needed to facilitate braiding of funds for these expansion slots. Revisions to center licensing rules, or creation of a new WAC chapter, may be necessary to administer licensing or certification of ECEAP sites providing care under this model.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The state department of social and health services jointly administers WCCC and seasonal child care subsidy programs. DEL must follow United States Administration for Children and Families - Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations consistent with the state's CCDF plan. DEL plans to coordinate rule development with these state and federal agencies.

Process for Developing New Rule: To the extent practicable, DEL intends to seek public input during the rule drafting and development process. At a later date, DEL will file proposed rules (more than one proposed rule-making notice may be filed), hold a public hearing or hearings, and accept written comments before adopting permanent rules.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Individuals and organizations wishing to receive draft and proposed materials may join a DEL rules mailing list by contacting the DEL Rules Coordinator, Department of Early Learning, P.O. Box 40970, Olympia, WA 98504-0970, Rules@del.wa.gov, fax (360) 413-3482.

July 23, 2014

Matt Judge

Rules Coordinator